SRSB has coordinated an audio guide that includes a rundown of all the latest news surrounding Tramlines as they chat to Alex from the festival, as well as talking to Gary from the local council about the Fringe. The audio guide is very descriptive, and allows the listener to be engaged in the build up to the event.

Tramlines is a festival that captivates the city of Sheffield every year, deemed ‘the biggest party Sheffield has ever seen’ that is composed of more than 70 artists across four stages. The festival also incorporates comedy acts, an expanded family area and a food and drink line-up, alongside a pop up cinema. The festival promises to celebrate the influential and creative nature of the city and will be taking part on Friday 19th to Sunday 21 July.

During the audio guide, Alex begins by discussing the line-up and expresses that there are some world class performers attending that are “suitable for all audiences”. He discussed the draw of some of the artists, singling out Two Door Cinema Club, Lewis Capaldi and Rag’n’Bone Man, due to their recent involvement in the UK top 40 (two had been battling for the number one spot for a number of weeks). However it isn’t just the music that Tramlines is renowned for, “It is also the fact that the festival incorporates a family focus”, stated Alex, helping to create a good atmosphere.

One festival-goer who is visually impaired commented that, “The Fringe makes it much more accessible to people who can’t afford the main festival tickets whilst helping to promote the local bands with a global twist.”

Graham (the interviewer) later moved on to talk to Ken, who is blind, about accessibility and his guide dog. Tramlines say that access is an important aspect of the festival, as it should be a ‘festival accessible for all to enjoy’. Ken said that this was indeed the fact, and that he had purchased a ticket for all 3 days. It is a clear indicator that the festival is welcoming to all.

Further to this the festival offers the Fringe, which according to a visually impaired client of SRSB who was there the previous year said “the performance and the atmosphere was captivating” and is setting up to be replicated this time around. Graham also talked with the clients about relevant information and where to find it with the aim of helping visually impaired people get the most from the festival. However, the magazine that was on the forefront of his mind, being partially blind himself, was Exposed magazine, saying their guide is the most accessible to him, due to the layout. It is easy to decipher and digest all the information presented. Furthermore, he praised Tramlines for the free passes available for carers, providing clear and accessible information, as well as the all-important disabled toilets and accompanying necessary facilities.